There is something magical about visiting Fort George.

For one, the view of our nations’ capital and the west side of our island is breath taking.  Fort George is certainly one of the places in Trinidad where you literally feel like you are on top of the world.  Visiting this landmark during the day or at night can serve as two different experiences.  During the day, one can view the capital of the island. If you own a pair of binoculars or use the free telescopes that are stationed at the fort you will be able to see most major landmarks in the city and on a clear day you can see the outline of Venezuela stretching out across the Gulf of Paria.  It’s almost like you get two different encounters at one stop. However, to experience Fort George during dusk is a truly beautiful experience. Colours bring the sky to life as clear blue, is mixed with orange, yellow and tones of pink. Perhaps, being so close to the sky makes this magnificent display feels almost surreal.  After the sun has set, the lights of the city below and the oil rigs which illuminate the Gulf of Paria are the next attractions. Thousands of lights dance, those tiny flickers in the night looks quite alluring against the darkness.   It’s almost as if the city of Port of Spain is romancing you from below, like Romeo inviting his Juliet down.

One of the many cannons which have been excellently maintained at Fort George Port of Spain

But it’s not just the view of the island, Fort George formerly called La Vigie (Fort George , n.d.) has been preserved in the most pristine way.  All the original cannons even the jail and the signal station (which has now been converted to a museum) seems untouched.  The first time I visited Fort George I felt like I was in a movie. My wild imagination took me back to the 18^th century as I explored the fort. I could see it all unfolding, enemy ships (perhaps Spain) sailing into the Gulf of Paria slow and steady.  Upon sighting, the British military who are currently manning the fort would spring into action, as word of a possible invasion spread.   The Brigadier – General calm and in control, would huddle together with his Colonel, Major and Captain over a map of Port of Spain to plan their best defense against the approaching enemy. The military camp would buzz with activity as instructions would be passed down through the ranks as the soldiers prepare for battle. Ammunition, muskets and pistol swords would be withdrawn from the armoury and distributed among the soldiers

An inside view of the jail built at the fort

The cannons perched along the walls would be cleaned by their operators with a sponge to remove all sparks, fifth and dirt before the powder and cannon ball are added (Cannon Operation, n.d.) As the command to attack is given, the cannons would be fired simultaneously at the approaching enemy ships with a great BOOM! Spent gun powder fills the atmosphere with its telling white smoke and signature smell.  Soldiers work quickly to clean and reload the cannons, when they have completed this task they await instructions from their commander “FIRE!” the cannons roar to life once more unleashing terror unto the opponents at sea, who are defenseless because of the strategic position of the fort.   The rival soldiers who have managed to make it onshore would then clash with British soldiers for a glorious battle, as gun fire is exchanged and swords clash which, would no doubt prove the British triumphant.

These strategically placed cannons line the wall at the historical site

Clearly, I read too many books in my early years.

To my disappointment, I found out years later that Fort George was never commissioned as a military site in other words, there was absolutely no action NONE!!!!! Those cannons that sit so valiantly on the walls of the fort are virgins. Fort George was strategically built in 1804 to protect the island and its main harbour of Port of Spain.  Fort George is one of three forts (San Andres and Picton) built to defend the city.  The position of this fort which was ideal because of its location, was set up by the then British Governor, Brigadier – General Sir Thomas Hislop. Because the fort was so close to the dock Fort George was considered to be the last line of heavy artillery positions defending the port from any potential threats (Fort George , n.d.)

When rumors of war and unrest circulated, merchants based in Port of Spain would store their cash, records and valuables in a safe located inside of the fort as they believed the fort was unconquerable. In 1846 the fort was abandoned by the military and converted to a tracking station in 1902, which was operational until 1964.

This mysterious chest is on of the many items on display at the museum.  It was found on board a sunken French ship and brought to the fort

Today Fort George is one of the most popular tourist sites on the island.  The site can be accessed through tour operators or tourist who are adventurous enough can access the site by driving up the hill on their own.  Many locals take advantage of this location as couples chose this site for their engagement/wedding photo shoots.  Fort George is the ideal educational/recreational location for families seeking an outdoor experience.  Food/ drink are not available for purchase as there are no stores close by so it as advisable that you pack your picnic basket with everything that you may require.

This is one of our historical sites that I am proud of primarily because of how well the area was conserved.  It leaves something for future generations to tie to our complex history

Blessings

Callaloo Culture

Works Cited

(n.d.).

Cannon Operation. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannon_operation: http://www.trinidadandtobagonews.com/tt/FortGeorge.html

Fort George . (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.trinidadandtobagonews.com/tt/FortGeorge.html

Fort George . (n.d.). Retrieved from Destination Trinidad and Tobago : https://www.destinationtnt.com/fort-george/